to question and improve

What can I do to make it a happy new year for you?

With the start of the new year you often hear the phrase “I wish you a Happy New Year”. That’s nice. On the other hand it is strange for me to hear it in person from people who don’t even know me (and don’t care much about me).

It reminds me of a ritual of some top managers from the company where I did my apprenticeship some years ago. At the first working day in the new year they walked around the company and wished everyone a happy new year. It felt strange, as it was the only time they ever “talked” to me (and they never knew my name). But they wished me the same as those who cared about me. Hm.

Maybe the next time we wish someone a happy new year we should ask ourselves whether we really care about this person, and if that’s the case, to ask: What can I do to make it a happy new year for you?